Tabletop

Tabletop

This week, Wil Wheaton launched a new show. Not just him, there was a whole list of people in the credits, including the awesome Felicia Day, but since he was the host, it’s him I connect with the show.

The premise for this is simple, straight forward, and brilliant. A group of people, playing a fun game, so other people can see it, learn it, and enjoy it. I wish I had thought of it (“Damn you, Wil Wheaton!” (I can’t do the Sheldon voice)) but alas, I shall be content to simply enjoy it.

In their introductory episode, the group plays the game “Small World.” A game I have never played, but after watching them, plan to pick up today. A few things struck me right off as the group sat down. First was the cohesion. I’ve been part of no mean number of gaming groups, both online, and in the world outside the box… and these guys (and girl) fell in to a great rhythm early. It was as if they had played together for years (maybe they have?) and it was entertaining to watch.

The game itself appears fun to play as well. Not terribly complicated, but incredibly strategic, it reminds me of the things I really enjoyed about Risk, but without many of the things I disliked… like being stuck playing standoff for 12 hours :S. One begins with a race and power, and the combinations change every game. Pillaging Orcs seem pretty sweet to me, and not only for the namesake.

It was the group that sold me on the show, and the game. They appear to be having such a crazy fun time, as well as learning how to play. And in the end, that made the show worth watching. It wasn’t just another simplistic review going over what was good and bad about Small World, but a half hour of fun, laughs, and gaming. They reminded me of my first gaming group, and why I got into it in the first place. This feeling of camaraderie is palpable and grows throughout the show. I don’t want to give too much away, but I was laughing hysterically at some of the commentary as the game was being played.

Overall, I cannot wait for Episode 2, or to get out and try Small World.